From: Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Taste: Showcasing a stunning ruby red color. Its bouquet is intense, featuring aromas of red berries, cherries, and fruit of the forest, intertwined with delicate floral notes of fresh-cut flowers and rose petals, complemented by hints of earthiness and minerality. This Burgundy-style red is fresh and fruity on the palate, balancing medium to high acidity and moderate tannins. The wine’s backbone of lithe tannins provides a firm grip, leading to a refreshing finish. Despite its youth, the extended maturation imparts a heft and complexity.
Pairing: Traditional Valtellina dishes like pizzoccheri, made with buckwheat pasta, cabbage, potatoes, and local cheese, enhance the wine’s minerality and acidity. Rich, braised veal ossobuco with a gremolata garnish brings out the Nebbiolo's complexity and tannic structure. The creamy texture and umami flavors of mushroom risotto pair well with the wine’s floral and fruity notes. A charcuterie board with cured meats, aged cheeses, olives, and roasted game birds like quail or pheasant, balancing the meat’s richness with the wine’s refreshing finish. Delicate beef carpaccio aligns perfectly with the wine's elegance and vibrant profile, while rustic polenta and sausages pair with depth and acidity.
Creamy
Polenta With Parmesan and Sausage
By Mark Bittman
About: For over 150 years, the Arpepe family has devoted themselves to cultivating Nebbiolo, a rare grape uniquely adapted to the Valtellina region. This rugged, hand-tended land is where tradition and time dictate the rhythm of their work, embodying a philosophy of patience and humility. The family's commitment to these principles ensures that their wine genuinely reflects the land and the people who nurture it. Arturo, the patriarch, instilled in his family the importance of resisting fleeting trends, focusing instead on the timeless quality of their craft.
Arpepe's history is marked by three significant milestones: its inception in 1860, its rebirth in 1984, and a pivotal growth in 2004. The winery's journey began around the time of the Unification of Italy, with records showing a long-standing relationship with a loyal customer base. Despite setbacks, including selling the business in 1973, Arturo Pelizzatti Perego revitalized the family tradition by founding ArPePe in 1984. He reclaimed part of the vineyards and the aging premises at Buon Consiglio, setting a new standard for the Nebbiolo from the Alps.
The family's approach to winemaking is patient and methodical. They wait for the perfect moment to bottle their wine, guided by the moon's phases, ensuring each vintage expresses its unique terroir. The traditional Valtellina method, detailed in company books since 1860, continues to guide their practices. These principles were passed down from Mamma Giovanna to her children Emanuele, Isabella, and Guido, who took over the winery at the end of 2004, bringing with them a blend of tenacity and innovation.
